Germany has played a pivotal role in European history, and no place embodies this more than its capital, Berlin. As the epicenter of the Cold War, Berlin was famously divided between East and West. The Second World War’s horrors remain a poignant lesson for today, exemplified by Sachsenhausen concentration camp. We visit this camp, now a memorial and museum, to honour the victims and ensure their stories are never forgotten.
Colditz Castle, a striking 16th-century fortress, also holds a significant place in history. During World War II, it served as a POW facility, where inmates executed daring escapes. Our journey concludes in Dresden, a city heavily bombed by the Allies during the war. Witness the remarkable transformation of Dresden as it has risen from the ashes to reclaim its former glory.
Today marks the beginning of our journey as we board our flight to Germany, bound for the vibrant city of Berlin. Upon arrival, we come together for a welcome drink. Later in the evening, we venture out to a charming local restaurant, to enjoy a welcome dinner, savouring the flavours of Berlin and setting the stage for unforgettable experiences to come.
We begin our city tour of Berlin by exploring its key landmarks. We visit the Reichstag – the seat of the German government, and Potsdamer Platz – Berlin’s vibrant new centre. We then marvel at the iconic Brandenburg Gate and walk along Unter den Linden, the city’s historic boulevard. Our tour includes Alexanderplatz and its famous TV tower, as well as a poignant stop at the remains of the Berlin Wall, concluding at the historic Checkpoint Charlie.
From there, we head to the Topography of Terror – a museum located on the site of the former Nazi Gestapo headquarters. This museum’s permanent exhibition highlights the atrocities committed by the SS and police during the Third Reich. Afterwards, we can choose to visit the Jewish Museum or continue exploring Berlin at our own pace.
Today, we visit a place of profound historical significance – the Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen, a former Nazi concentration camp.
Established in 1936, Sachsenhausen was one of the first concentration camps. Initially used as a training facility, it became a site of immense suffering and death for tens of thousands of prisoners. During World War II, Sachsenhausen expanded, housing political prisoners, intellectuals, resistance fighters, and others deemed enemies of the Nazi regime. The prisoners endured forced labour, medical experiments, torture, and execution. Sachsenhausen also served as a transit camp for prisoners being sent to extermination camps like Auschwitz. Today, it stands as a memorial and museum, where we can take the time to learn about the harrowing history of this site.
This morning, we depart Berlin and head to Colditz to visit the Renaissance Castle, which served as a prisoner of war camp for high-ranking Allied officers during World War II. Notable prisoners included Winston Churchill’s nephew and the nephew of King George VI. The castle was famous for numerous escape attempts, employing various ingenious methods and achieving varying degrees of success. During our visit, we will learn about some of these daring escapades.
Afterward, we continue to Dresden. Upon arrival, we will embark on a walking tour of this city renowned for its rich culture and baroque architecture. Dresden’s role in World War II remains a topic of debate due to the controversial Allied bombing in 1945, which created a devastating firestorm. While the city still bears the scars of these bombings, it has undergone significant reconstruction, emerging as a thriving metropolis that has reclaimed its former glory.
Today, our journey takes us to the Museum of Military History, housed within an impressive building that has hosted numerous exhibitions on military history over the years. Following its reopening in 2011, the museum has shifted its focus to highlight the human experiences of war, while also showcasing the evolution of German military technology.
Following our visit to the museum, we proceed to the Dresden Memorial, a solemn site dedicated to the victims of political persecution during the city’s Soviet occupation. Here, we embark on a guided tour of the preserved prison, offering a poignant glimpse into the state’s efforts to silence political dissent. Through artifacts, recordings, and the stark environment of the detention cells, we gain insight into the harrowing fates of the inmates and the dark chapter of history they represent.
This morning we enjoy breakfast together before making our way to Berlin Airport for our flight back to the UK.
On this tour we will be staying at the following hotels, or similar standard:
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to your hotel in Berlin is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
We suggest layers – A warm jacket, sweater and scarf will keep you warm and a light jacket to have on standby if it is a little warmer. Whilst a small hand umbrella for emergencies never hurts. You shouldn’t need any specialist footwear, beyond good walking shoes.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff of approximately £15. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.
To enter Germany your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information;
Euro
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required
The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change
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